Bang Makham is a beach that doesn’t exist. Nearly 2 miles (3 kilometres) of coastline where there’s only one stretch less than 300 feet (100 metres) long that you can properly call a beach.
This lonely little beach sits opposite the only resort on Bang Makham – Baan Bai Fern 2. It’s accessible during both high and low tide, unlike the rest of the beach which only appears when the tide goes out.
Beach Overview
The sand is incredibly fine and sticky, like semolina but yellow-rust coloured. This type of sand doesn’t brush off your hands and clothes easily, so you need to be extra careful with camera equipment on this beach. You also need to watch where you step because there are so many rocks and bits of rubbish scattered about that you could easily trip up.
You’ll find planks of wood, plastic, polystyrene and bottles everywhere. There are no hotels on this beach because the island’s Ring Road runs right along the water’s edge for the entire length of Bang Makham – from the turn-off at the “Met Sai” bungalows all the way to Nathon.
The shoreline is home to fishermen – simple, straightforward folk who don’t trouble themselves with thoughts about plastic decomposition rates or global warming. Bang Makham is one of the dirtiest beaches on Samui. And one of the most deserted.
If you’re interested in reading about other spots I’ve got a brief overview of all Samui’s beaches to help you choose the right one.
Swimming
The tides transform Bang Makham’s appearance like makeup on a woman. Before the sea retreats 1 mile (2 kilometres) revealing boulders, rocks, rubbish and marine life, the beach looks almost magical – especially when the sun is high and beating down on the water with direct rays.
The rays reflect off the white sand on the seabed and light it up from below with fantastic colours. This is the only beach on Samui where you can see striped sea.
After low tide the scenery becomes more mundane and fishermen emerge onto the shore to poke about in the muddy bottom searching for shellfish. Either way Bang Makham isn’t a bad beach for families with children – you don’t need to worry too much about them wandering into deep water.
They simply won’t reach it. If it weren’t for the rubbish, mud and rocks this beach would be perfect for kids. Because of the shallow water there are rarely strong waves except during storm season and high winds.
Sunbeds and Shade
During high tide the sea comes right up to the Ring Road, crashing against the stone and wire barriers that prevent the road from being washed away. There are no beach loungers on Bang Makham unfortunately – there’s simply nowhere to put them.
The only sources of shade grow along the roadside so they’re no use as shelter for anyone wanting to relax by the water.
Beach Photos
Amenities
Despite the lack of space to build hotels between the road and sea, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants serving European and Thai cuisine all along Bang Makham. You won’t go hungry or unwashed.
There are several mini-markets, Thai shops, laundries and furniture workshops. If that’s not enough then all the conveniences and services of Nathon town are just five minutes away by motorbike.
Accommodation
The only resort actually on the beach is Baan Bai Fern 2.
All other accommodation – hotels, villas and rental houses – are located on the other side of the ring road. The development is quite dense extending about 2000 feet (600 metres) inland along the entire length of the beach.
If you want to book a hotel here in advance or look for accommodation on other beaches I’ve got a selection of highly-rated Samui hotels with good reviews.
How to Find the Beach
You don’t need to search for Bang Makham – it’s a beach that’s lovely to drive along with the wind in your hair whilst admiring the sea horizon, the colour of the water or the sunset. It starts immediately after leaving Nathon and is visible from the road.
Along the roadside there are several parking spots for beauty enthusiasts where you can pull over without blocking traffic to take a few photos. Or head down to the sea for a photo shoot in Maldivian-style surroundings.
